The Sky Blues were ahead at half-time in Saturday's League One clash at the Ricoh Arena after midfielder James Bailey had swept home Gary McSheffrey's cut back in the 21st minute.

But Preston had the better of a competitive second half and equalised with 13 minutes to play when Lee Holmes latched on to a long ball to race through on goal and confidently fire into the bottom corner.

Coventry substitute Stephen Elliott had a great chance to win the game late on when Preston goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann flapped at a cross, but the Irishman headed wide.

"In the first half, we did well and we thought we were the best team and in the second half we weren't, so we have got to be happy with a point," said Robins.

"The first half was a lot better because we tried to pass the ball and in the second half we allowed them to dictate.

"When you allow them to dictate, they're not bad at what they do. They try to grind you down, the ball is in the air forever, they play on second balls, they have been physical and they are different from what our players are used to playing against - but hopefully they have learned.

"It is a different test. The players that he's got at Preston are good, honest, hard-working players that will try and carry out the manager's requests and orders to the letter.

"It just wasn't to be. It was one of those bitty performances, conditions weren't great, but we will take the point and move on."

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?